National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the President may order mid-shutdown mass firings if Democrats do not compromise on government funding|Wally Gobetz|CC BY NC-ND 2.0

The government shutdown enters its second week as congressional leaders in both parties feel they have the upper hand and blame each other for the impasse.

The Senate, on Friday, failed to advance competing plans to extend federal funding, and is scheduled to reconvene today.

Even if progress is made on negotiations, President Donald Trump’s approval is needed to end the shutdown.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the president may order mid-shutdown mass firings if Democrats do not compromise on government funding.

So far, threats have circulated, but no layoffs have occurred. Hassett said on CNN’s State of the Union that firings would start only if negotiations are absolutely going nowhere and expressed hope that Democrats act reasonably when Congress reconvenes.